What happened
On March 8, 2026, at approximately 11:00 EDT, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N98360, was involved in an accident near Indian Trail, North Carolina. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
Following a preflight inspection that confirmed the absence of contaminants in the fuel samples, the pilot taxied for departure. After completing all before-takeoff checks, the pilot performed a short-field takeoff and began an initial climb. At approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine experienced power fluctuations and eventually cut out. Unable to maintain lift, the pilot attempted a forced landing in a field. During the maneuver, the aircraft's left wing struck a tree at approximately 30 feet above ground level, causing the wing to separate from the fuselage before the aircraft impacted the ground. The accident resulted in 2 serious injuries and 0 fatalities.
The investigation
An FAA inspector conducted a post-accident examination of the aircraft. The investigation found that the fuel selector was set to the right wing tank, which contained several gallons of fuel. A fuel sample taken from the tank drain showed no signs of water or debris. The engine contained 5 quarts of oil and showed no external signs of a catastrophic failure. Records indicated the engine had approximately 2,200 hours of flight time since its 2016 overhaul, and the most recent annual inspection was completed on December 23, 2025.